ALUSB Professor of Practice - Business, Trade, and Economics

ABOUT ALU

At the African Leadership University (ALU), we are more than an academic institution, we are a launchpad for Africa’s next generation of leaders. Our mission is bold: to develop ethical, entrepreneurial changemakers who will shape Africa’s future. Through an innovative curriculum, hands-on learning, and a vibrant pan-African community, we equip our students to tackle complex challenges, connect the dots across diverse perspectives, and create solutions that drive lasting impact. We don’t just teach; we nurture adaptable, globally minded problem-solvers ready to thrive in ambiguity, build from scratch, and lead Africa into a prosperous 21st century.

African Leadership University is incorporated in Rwanda as The African Leadership University (ALU) and in Mauritius as the African Leadership College of Higher Education (ALCHE). Each entity is separately accredited to offer qualifications by the Council of Higher Education in Rwanda and the Higher Education Commission in Mauritius. The ALU School of Business (ALUSB) is the engine of education in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship for both campuses. 

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

HOW WE WORK

The ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE TEAM

We are a results-driven group dedicated to delivering high-impact, market-relevant programs, including our Executive MBA and Executive Education portfolio. Our mission is to equip Africa's current and aspiring leaders with the skills to drive change in the world of business as well as in the public sector. We are a collaborative and dynamic team, focused on operational excellence, innovation, and strategic alignment to ensure every program we deliver is a best-in-class experience that contributes to ALUSB's reputation and financial sustainability.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a dynamic and visionary Professor of Practice to provide academic leadership in business, finance, economic, international trade and related domain areas within the school of business and for the service of the institution as a whole. The incumbent will serve as  the  intellectual leader and architect for the development of a suite of academic programmes in line with the needs of the Continent and the mission of ALU. The Professor of Practice will serve as an head of the ALUSB faculty, and will lead the development of a research framework appropriate to the mission, program composition, and faculty expertise of the University. 

Working with all relevant stakeholders across both campuses, the incumbent will lead the accreditation and development of post-graduate programs in business, leadership, and adjacent fields in both jurisdictions, with particular urgency given to the accreditation of post-graduate programs in Mauritius. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

This person is the leader of business education encompassing programme design, programme alignment and articulation, quality standards, mission alignment of business education  and overall business efficacy (which includes student satisfaction).  The key performance areas of the role are:

• Financial sustainability: Operate with a growth mindset to drive new streams of revenue while being disciplined in managing cost.
• Programs: In alignment with the Product, LEDI, and QA teams, drive the development and delivery of a portfolio of post-graduate programs attractive to the target audience, in the fields of Business, Economics, Finance and International Trade and International Finance.
• Teaching: Serve as an instructional faculty member within the School of Business in line with professional and educational qualifications.
• Research and scholarship: Devise and foster the research objectives of the institution through independent publications, collaborations with international organisations, and academic supervision of post-graduate students and junior academic staff.
• Brand: In line with ALU’s vision and strategy, contribute to position ALU’s business and leadership education as the best in the continent. 
• Impact: Focus on contributing to the ALU’s aspiration to be a University of first choice with a broad array of highly relevant, high-quality, and desirable programs. 
• Integration: Ensure that (a) undergraduate and postgraduate programmes articulate, and (b) ALU’s business education articulates to industry business needs for employability and venture creation.  
• Quality: Working hand-in-hand with LEDI, Deans and QA team, foster high standards of quality business education. 

Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal,  by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards.

REQUIREMENTS

• Doctoral degree (preferably PhD) in Business, Finance, Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years postdoctoral experience in a senior administrative position in a university (preferably in a business school).
• Minimum 5 years professional industry leadership experience of business, finance, entrepreneurship, or related fields.
• Academic and/or industry experience must include substantive experience in Africa.
• Experience with regulatory and accreditation bodies.
• Strong people leadership skills with a proven track record in driving high performing teams, including leading faculty..
• A strong passion for leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation coupled with a continuous learning mindset.
• Demonstrable success in strategic planning, fiscal management, and resource allocation. 
• Deep expertise in curriculum design and evaluation methods for faculty and staff.
• Ability to collaborate in and with diverse teams. 
• Ability to perform under pressure and cope with tight deadlines.
• Have exposure to a start-up culture (preferable).
• Believe in the potential of students, and see them as active participants in learning, as opposed to passive recipients of information.
• Based in East Africa, with a strong preference for Mauritius or Rwanda, or willingness to relocate.